[x301] is crystal decoder still relevant today with HTML5 and all?

[1tntla]

Hey guys,

my x301 lacks broadcom crystal decoder and I was wondering if it is an upgrade that's worth it?
I read somewhere that it can be tricky to set it up to work with all the browsers and players.

If what I want is to reduce cpu load, would I benefit from getting it?

Thanks,

[600X]

The Crystal Decoder is useless in the X301. The GPU does the exact same job.

[1tntla]

The Crystal Decoder is useless in the X301. The GPU does the exact same job.

hmm...

I've seen quite a number of posts about utilizing broadcom crystal decoder to take the load off cpu when playing video. Since the gpu is inside the cpu, it does help underload? the cpu. Also, I've seen posts that claim it can play 1080 youtube clips much better than without.

[600X]

You seem to have your facts all jumbled up. First of all, the GPU is not inside the CPU. The 4500MHD is located on the Northbridge. Secondly, anything the Crystal Broadcom can do, the 4500MHD can do. That is why 1080p will run without any problems on the X301.

Like I said, the Crystal Broadcom is useless in the X301. If you want more performance, you are better off with overclocking.

[Temetka]

If you are using the built in LCD there's no point in viewing in 1080p, stick to 720p. If you are using an external LCD, then 1080p should play without any issues.

I know on my X301 I have zero issues with 720p content from youtube whether it's in flash or HTML5 format. I haven't tried with an external monitor, but from various articles and user stories on the internet it shouldn't be a problem.

So no, the Crystal chip is not a worthwhile addon. I use my X301 everyday. What I would suggest would be to upgrade the RAM to 8GB and get a 1.8" to mSATA adapter and a nice mSATA SSD. Those will be the best upgrades performance wise that you can make to this laptop.